Cop on Top fundraiser underway

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Jerome Duarte, left, and Cheyann Gabriel sit on top of scaffolding Thursday while raising money for Special Olympics Hawaii during the Cop on Top fundraiser in front of the Hilo Walmart.
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After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Hawaii Police Department is sponsoring the 19th annual Cop on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics Hawaii.

The three-day event began Thursday and ends 3 p.m. Saturday at the Hilo and Kailua-Kona Walmart stores.

For all three days, law enforcement officers are spending their off-duty time perched on top of a 15-foot scaffold at the Walmart stores, where they will eat, sleep and raise awareness for Special Olympics Hawaii.

Donations collected from Cop on Top directly benefit Special Olympics Hawaii and its efforts to provide year-round sports programs for athletes.